Durham University tops North East in high entry requirements

New analysis from Oxford Home Schooling has identified Durham University as the top university in the North East for high entry requirements, with nearly half (47.52 per cent) of its courses requiring applicants to achieve at least 160 UCAS points.

That would mean students would need a minimum of A*A*A to get on to those courses. 

Newcastle University follows at 29.26 per cent, with Northumbria University close behind at 27.57 pr cent.

In contrast, Bishop Auckland College, Gateshead College, and New College Durham were found to be the most accessible higher education establishments in the region, each offering 12.5 per cent of courses to students with only 20 UCAS points.

Nationally, the University of Oxford has the highest entry standards, with 99.13 per cent of its courses requiring 160 points, equivalent to two A* and one A at A-level or five As in Scottish Highers. The study also found Exeter College to be the most accessible nationally, with 21.62 per cent of courses open to students with 20 points.

The data highlights that Business and Management courses dominate the higher UCAS points categories, while Veterinary Sciences and Medicine and Dentistry courses have the fewest places at the top entry levels.

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Greg Smith of Oxford Home Schooling commented, “The latest grade statistics suggest that as few as 9.3 per cent of A-level students achieved an A* in 2024, and a further 18.5 per cent achieved an A grade.

"This means that for institutions that set the majority of their courses at 160 points, roughly three-quarters of students will be unable to take advantage of the high level of education these institutions are known for."

Mr Smith added: “While the tariff system is a useful way for students and parents to understand the level of qualification and understanding needed to cover a particular subject, its qualification-based nature does mean that it’s less flexible than alternative approaches, such as a portfolio of work."